Publisher Maeght asked Chagall to create a few large scale lithographs but his request did not specify neither the size nor theme. The subject matter was left completely to Chagall. Once Chagall started the project and he became completely absorbed in it, ultimately going far beyond the scope of Maeght's initial request. Chagall asked Charles Sorlier, his printing technician, for the largest dimensions that his presses were capable of printing. The project encompassed fourteen large-scale, graceful and poetic lithographs.